U-turns Permitted

When in Romans: Justice through Faith

Today we read Romans 3:21-31, and think about the righteousness/justice of God that has appeared in Jesus, come to destroy evil and set all things right. Romans 3:21 contains one of the biggest "but now" reversals in the Bible: mankind has sinned, injustice is rampant, nothing we can do will change that...."but now"..... 

When in Romans: Where Do You Belong?

Today we look at Romans 1:18 through 3:20. In this section Paul is stereotyping both Gentiles and Jews, goading them into judging one another. Then he spears both groups through the conscience by saying that, in reality, all have sinned equally and no law-keeping of any kind can bring salvation. The fundamental issue is one of homelessness or belonging: do I belong to my tribe, or group, or family, or nation, or do I belong to God?

When in Romans: Uh. Oh. God's Wrath

Today we look at Romans 1:18: God's wrath. "For God's wrath is being revealed..." Many people have lived in fear of God over the years and centuries because of passages like this and the way they are taught. Is that necessary? How did Iris and Nereus understand these words when Phoebe read them to him?

When in Romans: The Twist

Today we read Romans 1:18-32. A very important passage for understanding Romans, the first part of a section that covers the first 5 chapters and concludes with Paul's great words in 5:18-21.

When in Romans: Rescue

With this sermon, we go back to the first chapter of the letter to the Romans. This is also part of the introduction: how Paul uses some technical terms, declares the gospel and calls his listeners (and readers) to live by faith or allegiance to the only true King.

When in Romans: God's Family

Today we continue with our look at the context of the letter to the Romans. Chapter 16 names many people involved with the house churches in Rome. Today we are introduced to two fictional members of those churches, the Mauretanian slave Iris and Jewish exile Nereus.

When in Romans: Introduction

Today we start a new series on Paul's letter to the Romans. It is entitled: "When in Romans: Rescue all the way out and all the way down". Today we will introduce the series by looking at what we mean by this title and tagline. Click here for background info on books and resources used.

How Love is Made Perfect Among Us

Today we have Rev. Dr. Kyuboem Lee as guest speaker. He will speak from 1 John 4:15-21, entitled: How Love Is Made Perfect Among Us.

Nobody Knows Me At All: Gomer

Today we look at Gomer, the wife of the ancient prophet Hosea. we will read Hosea 1-3 and see Gomer as idolater and victim, and see Hosea embodying God's unconditional love for His people. This is the last of this sermon series.

Nobody Knows Me At All: Jabal, Jubal and Tubal-Cain

Today we look at the three men who were the fathers of agriculture (livestock), music and iron and bronze working. And that leads us to the subject of vocation, calling. Genesis 4:16-26.